Reimagining healthcare education: considerations from a hybrid Occupational Therapy programme

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi38.1670

Keywords:

hybrid education, Occupational Therapy, Learning Development, hands-on skills training, online education

Abstract

Hybrid educational delivery models are increasingly prevalent in professional healthcare programmes, reflecting a growing commitment to accessible learning environments. However, tensions surrounding hybrid professional education, especially in Healthcare, remain. Hybrid education blends in-person and online learning (Hunter et al., 2025). This opinion piece asserts that our hybrid Occupational Therapy (OT) programme offers a replicable model combining virtual flexibility with hands-on skill acquisition. The number of OT programmes delivering content in a hybrid format continues to grow. The versatility of this model holds broader implications for Learning Development professionals across healthcare and graduate disciplines. Building on pandemic-era innovations and emerging workforce demands, we examine challenges in hybrid OT education, such as facilitating practical training, supporting digital equity, and preserving community. We also propose solutions transferable to other practice-based fields. Finally, we call on Educational Developers and Learning Developers to adopt intentional, evidence-based hybrid instructional designs with support for student learning that reflects the realities of contemporary education and professional practice in an increasingly digital world.

Author Biographies

Jackson Miller, Bowling Green State University

Jackson Miller serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Admissions for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy programme at Bowling Green State University. Drawing on his background in instructional design and technology alongside his Occupational Therapy education, his work focuses on creating accessible, practice-based learning experiences that integrate effective learning principles with professional skill development. His role includes curriculum development, student support, and contributing to practices that foster the success of the next generation of occupational therapists across hybrid learning environments.

Jason Hughes, Bowling Green State University

Jason Hughes is Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy programme at Bowling Green State University, where he leads curricular innovation and faculty development initiatives. He focuses on advancing excellence in hybrid Occupational Therapy education with intentional course design through a hybrid delivery model and the integration of experiential learning. His interests centre on leadership in Occupational Therapy education, programme development, and promoting excellence in academic and clinical settings. A Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, he is dedicated to fostering collaboration among faculty, students, and clinical partners to enhance learner engagement and professional growth.

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Published

11-12-2025

How to Cite

Miller, J., & Hughes, J. (2025). Reimagining healthcare education: considerations from a hybrid Occupational Therapy programme. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (38). https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi38.1670

Issue

No. 38 (2025)

Section

Opinion Pieces

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